Whiplash Injury

Written by Dr. Jason Ngan, DC

What is a Whiplash Injury?

Whiplash injury is a neck (cervical spine) injury due to rapid back-and forth movement of the neck. Whiplash injuries can damage multiple structures including the head, neck, body, shoulders, arms, and even lower limbs.

What Causes Whiplashes?

Whiplash injury occurs when a rapid force is applied to the body. The acceleration and deceleration forces causes the head to be thrown backwards then forwards like the action of a whiplash. Whiplash injuries are common in:

  • Motor vehicle accidents (especially rear-end accidents)

  • Sports injuries such as a football tackle

  • Physical abuse

  • Trauma

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

  • Neck pain and stiffness

  • Pain upon neck movement

  • Headaches

  • Pain and tenderness at the shoulders, back, and arms

  • Tingling and numbness in the arms

  • Fatigue

  • Dizziness

  • Blurred vision

  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

  • Insomnia

  • Vertigo (room spinning)

How is Whiplash Injury Diagnosed?

Whiplash injury is diagnosed with a thorough medical history, physical examination, orthopedic testing, x-ray diagnostic imaging, CT scan, and MRI.

  • Diagnostic imaging should be used to rule out ligament tears/ruptures and bone fractures

What are the Treatment Options?

It is crucial to seek medication attention for whiplash injuries. If left untreated, it can lead to life-long chronic pain. At Ngan Chiropractic, we properly diagnose the severity of the whiplash injury and treat accordingly. Some options we provide are:

  • Chiropractic manipulation and mobilization

  • Flexion-distraction

  • Spinal traction

  • Soft tissue therapies

  • Gua-sha

  • Cupping

  • E-stim

  • Ultrasound

  • Ergonomic/postural counseling

  • Rehabilitative exercises

Other treatments that patients may seek (not provided at Ngan Chiropractic) include acupuncture, pain medications, and surgery if severe.  

References

  1. Anderson C, Yeung E, Toong T, Tong T, Reed N. A narrative review on cervical interventions in adults with chronic whiplash-associated disorder. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2018 Apr 25;4(1):e000299. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000299. Erratum in: BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2018 Aug 21;4(1):e000299corr1. Tong,T [corrected to Toong T]. PMID: 29719724; PMCID: PMC5926568.

  2. Alifia Tameem, MD FRCA, Sandeep Kapur, FRCA FFPMRCA, Hirachand Mutagi, FRCA FFPMRCA, Whiplash injury, Continuing Education in Anaesthesia Critical Care & Pain, Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2014, Pages 167–170, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjaceaccp/mkt052

  3. Yadla S, Ratliff JK, Harrop JS. Whiplash: diagnosis, treatment, and associated injuries. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2008 Mar;1(1):65-8. doi: 10.1007/s12178-007-9008-x. PMID: 19468901; PMCID: PMC2684148.